We have had a nasty cold take up residence in our house the past couple weeks, taking turns with each of us, but here is an overdue update...

The list of performers is pretty much complete. We have confirmed King Kukulele, Haole Kats, the Windy City Islanders, the Penthouse Playboys, Nebula, the Cocktail Preachers, the Madeira, Jon Rauhouse with Tommy Connell, the Exotics, the Hi-Risers, Kaiser George, the Neanderthals, Petty Booka, and Los Straitjackes featuring the world famous Pontani Sisters. We are still sorting out the exact line-up for Saturday and deciding who will play at the other venues. All the different events are promising to be a lot of fun, each with a different flavor– and Saturday is really shaping up to be a blast! FitzGerald's is planning a pig roast, we have some terrific vendors on-board, and we have put in an early request for some extra nice weather. Advance tickets will be available online on April 25.

With regards to lodging, as of today Exotica attendees can get a discounted room rate at the Write Inn (a lovely historic hotel in beautiful Oak Park http://www.writeinn.com/ ). Just call them at (708) 383-4800 and let them know you are in town for "Exotica." We are working to get a special rate from a second hotel in Oak Park, and we should have more details by the end of this week. We think Oak Park is the ideal location if you are coming from out of town. It's very nice with plenty of restaurants, shops, and of course the Frank Lloyd Wright studio and homes. There is also a green line train that will take you downtown to Trader Vic's, museums, more shopping, and all the fun to be had in "the Loop."

The hotel info is not yet posted on the Exotica website, so this gives Tiki Central members a jump on getting the discounted rooms.

What a Fabulous line up!!! We can barely wait for the big weekend!
And FYI:
Oak Park also has some great shops, including a couple of cool toy stores (Pumpkin Moon & Scratch n' Sniff), and one of best record stores in the greater Chicagoland area (Val's Hala).
D&C

_________________BaMbOoLoDgE...where the South Pacific meets the Great White North!